LuLu Roman

A big burst of flavor is making its way to the local arena, and it’s all in the name of love. The third annual celebrity Charity Chopped, an exhilarating competition-styled cook-off, is being held at Hop Springs in Murfreesboro on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The event is a fundraiser benefiting local food, clothing and shelter nonprofit organizations. Contestants representing these organizations will be on hand, ready to face off in the battle of the taste buds. All proceeds will be divided evenly among the charities, then the winner will take home an additional $5,000 grand prize for their respective charity.

The three participating organizations include Second Harvest Food Bank, Amelia’s Closet and Habitat for Humanity. Second Harvest Food Bank has been providing food and personal care products throughout Tennessee since 1978. Each center addresses hunger for the region they’re in, and all donations received remain local. Amelia’s Closet is known as a clothier of hope, providing women with a second chance to make a first impression. Local donations offer recovering women the appropriate business attire for job interviews, helping to restore hope, dignity, and possibilities to their lives. Habitat for Humanity unites people in God’s love to build homes for those without one, each chapter also addressing local communities.

Providing the basic necessities of life has been the main focus of the Chopped Charity event since its inception in 2017. Shannon Wheeler, organizer of the event, feels that the participating organizations (each representing one of the three basic necessities), help the community by providing hope to its residents, the sustaining kind of help needed in order to continue growing in a positive direction.

In speaking with Wheeler, you can’t help but acknowledge his passion for helping people. He desires for all people to be met with these basic needs of life. He is a personal advocate for all three of the participating charities, and he stresses the idea that these are all local places where local people can receive real help. In speaking with him, you really get the sense that this is something he holds dear to his heart. Eventually, you come to understand it is because he has been on the receiving end of things. In other words, it’s not just sympathy you see in him. It’s real, genuine empathy.

“I have often wondered if I’m the right person to help in this way. I am not wealthy. I am working like everyone else to raise a family and provide. My family and I have benefited personally from the efforts of these and other similar organizations at different periods throughout my entire life,” Shannon says. “So, I figured that made me the exact right person to help in this way.” His compassion is a key component of the event’s continuing success.

So, what can we expect at Charity Chopped? Here’s the dish: three local celebrity chefs, assisted by sous chefs, will be creating meals using random ingredients, while working against the clock and each other.

The teams of chefs are Robin Seay teamed up with Rachel Spensatelli of the Curious Kitchen for Second Harvest Food Bank; Fant Smith teamed up with Mitchell Murphree of Five Senses for Amelia’s Closet; and Lulu Roman teamed up with Alex Belew of Dallas & Jane for Habitat for Humanity.

Tensions will grow, mishaps will hap, and entertainment will abound as these duos duke it out to the end. Besides the mixture of mayhem, the dash of drama, and the pinch of perfection, the element of surprise will be spooned in by providing each team with three-course baskets stocked with three mystery ingredients that must be utilized in each dish. Five local celebrity judges will be present, lending their palates to the plates. The scores will be tallied for all meals, supplemented by a guest judge for each course. The winner will be chosen based on the quality of the meals.

Adding to the aroma of the evening are a number of extra benefits that come with the cause. Attending guests can expect to enjoy fresh cupcakes and appetizers as local bakeries and restaurateurs compete for the best of each category. Attendees can cast their votes for their favorites. Furthermore, there will be a live auction taking place. Willing participants can also contribute an extra donation to partake in alcohol that will be served. With so much to offer, it’s sure to be a spectacular show!

For more information, visit charitychopped.com or contact Shannon Wheeler at shannon@shannonwheeler.com or by phone at 615-417-6640. The seating for this event is limited. A $75 golden ticket will gain admittance to the show, with an additional $25 for the alcohol option. If you are not planning to attend the event, you are still welcome to make a tax-deductible donation. All donations benefit local charities and the local recipients of their services.